Vermillionaire Firecracker Plant
Vermillionaire Firecracker Plant (Cuphea 'Vermillionaire')
Vermillionaire Firecracker Plant is a compact warm-season subshrub that explodes with countless orange tubular blooms from late spring to frost. Glossy, fine foliage and a naturally mounding habit make a high-impact choice for containers, edging, and pollinator beds.
Distinctive Features
Self-cleaning, nectar-rich flowers resemble firecrackers and attract hummingbirds continuously without deadheading. Heat-tolerant, branching plants hold a tidy outline and color through summer weather.
Growing Conditions
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade, with afternoon shade in very hot climates.
- Soil: Well drained, moderately fertile soil or high-quality potting mix.
- Water: Keep evenly moist to establish; provide moderate water thereafter with brief drought tolerance.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11 outdoors; grow as an annual elsewhere.
- Mature Size: About 1 to 2 ft tall and 1 to 2 ft wide.
Ideal Uses
- Focal Point: Bright tubular blooms deliver season-long color at eye level.
- Containers: Reliable flowering on patios and porches with regular care.
- Edging: Low, mounded plants define paths and borders cleanly.
- Hanging Baskets: Lightly cascading tips soften rims and pair well with trailers.
- Pollinator Gardens: Nectar-rich flowers support hummingbirds and beneficial insects.
Low Maintenance Care
- Watering: Water deeply, then allow the top inch of soil to dry before the next cycle.
- Pruning: Pinch or shear lightly once or twice in summer to refresh shape and encourage more bloom.
- Fertilizing: Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced, dilute fertilizer.
- Mulching: Apply a 1 to 2 inch mulch layer in beds or top-dress containers to conserve moisture.
- Notes: Protect from frost and ensure sharp drainage to prevent root stress in wet periods.
Why Choose Vermillionaire Firecracker Plant?
- Hummingbird Magnet: Tube-shaped blooms are irresistible to pollinators.
- Long Bloom Season: Flowers steadily from planting to frost.
- Heat Ready: Maintains color and form in summer conditions.
- Compact Habit: Fits containers and small-space borders without overgrowing.
- Low Effort: Minimal grooming needed for continuous display.
Plant in a sunny, well drained spot and give a light midsummer trim to keep plants dense and flowering.
OUR SIZING
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